Prediction 2025 - Best 23 + Emergencies - Rolling

[Kernafides]

Just a note for everyone, I'm not sure (within reason) you can have a right or wrong side at this point.

For now I've gone with:

B: Newman, Weitering, Saad
HB: Docherty, Young, Smith
C: Cowan, Cripps, Acres
HF: E.Hollands, Kemp, Williams
F: Motlop, McKay, Curnow
R: TDK, Hewett, Walsh
IC: Haynes, Cerra, Lord, Fogarty
Sub: McGovern

Notes:
Really like how O'Keefe's filled out. Might surprise should injury to others create an opening. Otherwise patience is the key here.
Want to see how Moir's endurance holds up and what his work without the ball is like before I commit. Practice games will tell the story here.
I'd start Smith on a HBF with say 5 minutes a quarter on the ball. This isn't like when we got Walsh and had to throw the lambs to the Wolves. Norf with Sheezel & McKircher and Pies with Daicos did a similar thing with great success.
Providing Young's form is similar to the end of last year and/or 2022 then I'm happy to start him, otherwise Gov comes in. Practice games will tell the story.
I've pushed Cowan up onto a wing, but whether you put Newman or Doc there becomes a matter of preference. Maybe rotate there and off the back of the square.
Kemp's at CHF given McKay and Curnow always start deep. I want him to lead up the ground to open up the space behind him. Whether McKay & Curnow are smart enough to lead into that space rather than always wrestle is another matter.
If Lord plays, it will be in addition to Cerra & Hewett not instead of. Already reaping the rewards of genuine preseason in an elite AFL environment. His improved running power is testament to that.
I don't have a spot for Binns, Boyd, SOS, Cottrell, Cincotta, O.Hollands or Durdin atm.

There's still plenty of water to go under the bridge between now and Round 1 so no doubt there will be some adjustments made.

Young isn't getting a game before Gov

 

[GoBlues!]

Tough gig trying to fit everyone in! My pre- Christmas teams. Both looking stacked with talent.

AFL
Haynes Weitering Saad
Newman McGovern Ollie
Acres Cripps Doch
Williams Charlie Elijah
Motlop McKay Kemp
TDK Cerra Walsh

In: Cowan Lord George Moir
Sub:JSOS

VFL
Boyd Young Charleson
Wilson Phillips O’Farrell
L Campo B Campo Binns
Monahan McMahon Cottrell
Durdin Lemmey Fantasia
Pitt Hayes Cincotta
In: O’Keefe Duffy Evans DGB/S Durdin

One tough selector Drake… no room for Jagga or Fogarty in either team!

 

[CCurnow3votes]

B: McGovern Weitering Saad
HB: Boyd Haynes Newman
C: Acres Cripps O.Hollands
HF: Hollands McKay Jagga
F: Williams Curnow Motlop
OB: TDK Walsh Cerra
IC: Kemp, Cowan, Hewett & Doc
Emergency
Cinc, Moir, Fog, silvagni Cottrell

This looks pretty close!

This is the hardest team to choose I can recall - a great sign obviously.

I like Boyd’s foot coming off HB & his defensive capabilities.

Haynes back keeps Kemp out as a backline need. I prefer Moir ahead of Kemp as a more mobile, creative forward.

Prefer Cerra named in the centre rather than Cripps, Cerra has more of the natural “Geoff Raines” classic centre about him.

I’d bring Fog onto the bench as an important forward rotation, Ollie can pinch-hit HB or wing.

B: McGovern Weitering Saad
HB: Boyd Haynes Newman
C: Acres Cerra Docherty
HF: Hollands McKay Moir
F: Williams Curnow Motlop
OB: TDK Cripps Walsh
IC: Jagga, Fog, Hewett & Ollie.

Emergency
Kemp, Cowan, Silvagni, Cottrell, Cinc.

 

[COACH25]

This looks pretty close!

This is the hardest team to choose I can recall - a great sign obviously.

I like Boyd’s foot coming off HB & his defensive capabilities.

Haynes back keeps Kemp out as a backline need. I prefer Moir ahead of Kemp as a more mobile, creative forward.

Prefer Cerra named in the centre rather than Cripps, Cerra has more of the natural “Geoff Raines” classic centre about him.

I’d bring Fog onto the bench as an important forward rotation, Ollie can pinch-hit HB or wing.

B: McGovern Weitering Saad
HB: Boyd Haynes Newman
C: Acres Cerra Docherty
HF: Hollands McKay Moir
F: Williams Curnow Motlop
OB: TDK Cripps Walsh
IC: Jagga, Fog, Hewett & Ollie.

Emergency
Kemp, Cowan, Silvagni, Cottrell, Cinc.

Pretty good as well.
I had kemp in my team ahead of some others because of his versatility to play Back and forward.

I Think Moir will play some games throughout the year. But will probably start in the 2s. I think having another full preseason and getting some consistent games and experience in the vfl and having another year to settle in from moving from Sa to vic will benefit him dramatically.
Can definitely see him breaking into the side 2nd half of 2025 season.

I don’t have forgarty ahead of other small/high half forwards in the side. As I believe if they can put on enough pressure inside 50. He just doesn’t have the talent and impact Williams, Motlop, Elijah and Jagga can have on games.

Saying this though. E.G if Motlop doesn’t bring the pressure, heat and contest voss is after Fogarty will be another player who will find his way back in the team pretty quick.

 

[Benaly28]

I agree you can’t have a wrong or right side but the player I find the most intriguing is Jsos.

Looking at some of the predicted teams feels like he’s on the bench or sub.

IMO he starts on the ground whether that’s back/forward.I feel as though he can be used in multiple positions even in the ruck.

He might not be a star but tries his butt off.


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[GoBlues!]

B: McGovern Weitering Saad
HB: Boyd Haynes Newman
C: Acres Cerra Docherty
HF: Hollands McKay Moir
F: Williams Curnow Motlop
OB: TDK Cripps Walsh
IC: Jagga, Fog, Hewett & Ollie.

Emergency
Kemp, Cowan, Silvagni, Cottrell, Cinc.

I like the back six.

I think we need to evolve from just H and Charlie as the key targets and look to develop Kemp as a third key forward - can take a mark, tackle and take defenders away from H and CC.

Cowan will continue to be part of the defensive mix in my view.

B: McGovern Weitering Saad
HB: Boyd Haynes Newman
C: Acres Cerra Docherty
HF: Hollands McKay Kemp
F: Williams Curnow Motlop
OB: TDK Cripps Walsh

IC: Jagga, Moir, Hewett, Cowan

Emerg: Ollie, Lord, Fogarty

 

[Arr0w]

I agree you can’t have a wrong or right side but the player I find the most intriguing is Jsos.

Looking at some of the predicted teams feels like he’s on the bench or sub.

IMO he starts on the ground whether that’s back/forward.I feel as though he can be used in multiple positions even in the ruck.

He might not be a star but tries his butt off.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

As a forward it's reasonable he is in contention. Love his gut busting efforts

Not sure he has the attributes to be a KPD at AFL level

 

[CCurnow3votes]

Pretty good as well.
I had kemp in my team ahead of some others because of his versatility to play Back and forward.

I Think Moir will play some games throughout the year. But will probably start in the 2s. I think having another full preseason and getting some consistent games and experience in the vfl and having another year to settle in from moving from Sa to vic will benefit him dramatically.
Can definitely see him breaking into the side 2nd half of 2025 season.

I don’t have forgarty ahead of other small/high half forwards in the side. As I believe if they can put on enough pressure inside 50. He just doesn’t have the talent and impact Williams, Motlop, Elijah and Jagga can have on games.

Saying this though. E.G if Motlop doesn’t bring the pressure, heat and contest voss is after Fogarty will be another player who will find his way back in the team pretty quick.

I haven’t enjoyed the privilege of watching Jagga in action.

By all reports he looks a given - one thing I don’t love is dumping mids we don’t have a need for into our forward line.

I suspect our want to plonk a pure mid into the forward line has come from a lack of true HF alternatives.

Hoping Moir is this & I think once given his chance he won’t be dropped again.

I prefer to run with a decisive forward option in Fogerty who also provides important link ups.

I don’t see defensive attributes in Williams, Elijah or Motlop.

 

[Arr0w]

I haven’t enjoyed the privilege of watching Jagga in action.

By all reports he looks a given - one thing I don’t love is dumping mids we don’t have a need for into our forward line.

I suspect our want to plonk a pure mid into the forward line has come from a lack of true HF alternatives.

Hoping Moir is this & I think once given his chance he won’t be dropped again.

I prefer to run with a decisive forward option in Fogerty who also provides important link ups.

I don’t see defensive attributes in Williams, Elijah or Motlop.

I think the forward line is the most intriguing in terms of selection early in the year and or who will cement a spot

I feel other parts of the ground are a little bit more predictable in terms of known quality, at this stage

But even though the backline seems more settled/experienced, we have some talent underneath that will develop naturally rather than being rushed

Guys like Lucas, where I mentioned mid year, would likely play as a defender and perhaps a Newman replacement in time

 

[CCurnow3votes]

I think the forward line is the most intriguing in terms of selection early in the year and or who will cement a spot

I feel other parts of the ground are a little bit more predictable in terms of known quality, at this stage

But even though the backline seems more settled/experienced, we have some talent underneath that will develop naturally rather than being rushed

Guys like Lucas, where I mentioned mid year, would likely play as a defender and perhaps a Newman replacement in time

The back half definitely looks solid & Haynes will add experience & poise.

It’s pretty interesting to see how hard selection is, even after Kennedy & Carrol have departed.

Our list team have done a nice job.

We seem primed for a very real crack at it!

 

[Love the Drake]

So stacked for talent you could not even find a spot for Jagga?

Hmm. I knew I’d miss one or two. No Fog either. Amended. Cheers.

 

[Love the Drake]

Ok. Take 2. Missed Jagga and Fog in my first attempt! Cincotta now out injured.

AFL
Haynes Weitering Saad
Newman McGovern Ollie
Acres Cripps Doch
Williams Charlie Elijah
Motlop McKay Kemp
TDK Cerra Walsh

In: Cowan Fog George Smith
Sub:JSOS

VFL
Boyd Young Charleson
Wilson Phillips O’Farrell
L Campo B Campo Binns
Moir McMahon Cottrell
Durdin Lemmey Fantasia
Pitt Hayes Lord
In: O’Keefe Duffy Evans Monahan

 

[TerryWallet]

Cowan Weitering Saad
Newman Gov O.Hollands
Binns Cripps Acres
E.Hollands Curnow Smith
Motlp McKay Moir

TDK Cerra Walsh

Hewett Kemp Fog Durdin

We have a dozen extra players who will get their chances thru preseason and then the season to stake claims. From vets like Doc, Haynes, Williams and Silvagni- to young talent like Lord, Wilson, O'Keefe, Lemmey- to depth talent like Cottrell, Boyd, Pittonet, Young.

We need to get a bit better going forward from here. To get better you need to have a crack at selection. Personally i think we can't go back to Doc, Williams, Young, Pittonet, Silvagni and Fantasia as first options. Experienced depth and strategic use - Yes. Regular 1st 18 players - No. Doc, Zac and Orazio have missed so much footy-too much footy.

All players will get their chance to put their hand up though. I hope they ALL take it.

 

[Juice030103]

Haynes is a lock for me after going to training and also rewatching blue heaven and Blue abroad’s highlights

Expect him to flourish

 

[COACH25]

I haven’t enjoyed the privilege of watching Jagga in action.

By all reports he looks a given - one thing I don’t love is dumping mids we don’t have a need for into our forward line.

I suspect our want to plonk a pure mid into the forward line has come from a lack of true HF alternatives.

Hoping Moir is this & I think once given his chance he won’t be dropped again.

I prefer to run with a decisive forward option in Fogerty who also provides important link ups.

I don’t see defensive attributes in Williams, Elijah or Motlop.

Jagga has the ability to play , mid, wing, HFF , HBF.

 

[CCurnow3votes]

Jagga has the ability to play , mid, wing, HFF , HBF.

Ok, if that is true - which should he play?

There’s no benefit to player or team, throwing a newly drafted player in any position across 60% of the ground.

I’m led to believe he is training with the midfield group & that seems in line with his strengths.

I really hope we’re not dumb enough as a club to throw Jagga into roles that limit his potential as an excellent & pure AFL midfielder.

I’m happy to wait until he is ready - please let’s give him the time he needs…

 

[marcmurphy3]

Ok, if that is true - which should he play?

There’s no benefit to player or team, throwing a newly drafted player in any position across 60% of the ground.

I’m led to believe he is training with the midfield group & that seems in line with his strengths.

I really hope we’re not dumb enough as a club to throw Jagga into roles that limit his potential as an excellent & pure AFL midfielder.

I’m happy to wait until he is ready - please let’s give him the time he needs…

High half forward rotating through the middle. Might do the odd wing rotation too but doubt he spends meaningful time there.

 

[CCurnow3votes]

High half forward rotating through the middle. Might do the odd wing rotation too but doubt he spends meaningful time there.

He doesn’t look like an impactful wing or HFF to me.

More an outside mid, using his feet to evade & run from stoppages.

Maybe he simply plays mid, off the bench.

Not sure it’s doing our forward line any justice resting him there.

 

[Arr0w]

He doesn’t look like an impactful wing or HFF to me.

More an outside mid, using his feet to evade & run from stoppages.

Maybe he simply plays mid, off the bench.

Not sure it’s doing our forward line any justice resting him there.

So far, I think he has Butters like traits, can win his own pill at stoppages, hurt you on the outside, and smart enough to impact resting forward, but probably pushes up to the edge of play

 

[marcmurphy3]

He doesn’t look like an impactful wing or HFF to me.

More an outside mid, using his feet to evade & run from stoppages.

Maybe he simply plays mid, off the bench.

Not sure it’s doing our forward line any justice resting him there.

High half forward pushes up to the stoppage. Essentially an extra midfielder. He wont be sitting in a pocket.

 

[CCurnow3votes]

So far, I think he has Butters like traits, can win his own pill at stoppages, hurt you on the outside, and smart enough to impact resting forward, but probably pushes up to the edge of play

I’d like us to simplify his role initially - just be (for now) an outside mid connecting play to the outside runners.

Just like butters.

Pace out of stoppage is just what we need.

I’d also love to see Elijah & Moir make HFF their own.

 

[CCurnow3votes]

High half forward pushes up to the stoppage. Essentially an extra midfielder. He wont be sitting in a pocket.

I like what I saw of him in the back half also - cleans the ball up out of traffic & helps clear the ball forward.

Prefer him as a pure mid.

 

[Arr0w]

I’d like us to simplify his role initially - just be (for now) an outside mid connecting play to the outside runners.

Just like butters.

Pace out of stoppage is just what we need.

I’d also love to see Elijah & Moir make HFF their own.

That's fair, but it's also difficult curbing natural instincts

We'll find out early in the season

 

[CCurnow3votes]

That's fair, but it's also difficult curbing natural instincts

We'll find out early in the season

Can’t wait to see it unfold .

 

[JustOneTime]

B: Haynes Weitering Newman
HB: Cowan JSoS Saad
C: Acres Cripps Hollands
HF: Kemp McKay E Hollands
F: Motlop Curnow Williams
OB: TDK Walsh Cerra
IC: McGovern, Jagga, Hewett, Docherty

Think the open questions are over JSoS, Kemp and the wing spot.